Final preparations for the Miss Russia 2014 competition are underway in Moscow. This week, dozens of contestants moved into the contest hotel to begin training for the final on March 1, at Barvikha Concert Hall.

The Miss Russia National Beauty Contest announced the winners of the Miss Top Model contest, the latest in Miss Russia’s series of online casting competitions which award cash prizes based on the most votes received.

The Miss Russian National Beauty Contest announced the winners of the Miss Longest Legs contest, as part of its innovative online casting competition that gives instant prizes to the favorite contestants of online voters.

The Miss Russia National Beauty Contest has updated its height requirement policy for contestants. Starting from 2014, contestants with a height of 173cm are also eligible to compete for the Miss Russia title.

The long-awaited Miss Universe 2013 Competition was held at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. The crown went to 25-year-old Gabriela Isler from Venezuela. Patricia Rodriguez from Spain and Constanza Baez from Ecuador were runner-ups. Elmira Abdrazakova, who represented Russia, unfortunately didn’t make it to the final Top 16.

All three days Elmira spent in New York were filled with lots of business and social meetings. A famous American fashion designer Sherri Hill has found time to meet Elmira and choose the right dress for the final Miss Universe show, which will be held in Moscow on November 9th.